US Air Force helo makes ‘precautionary’ landing in UK

A Lakenheath, England-based U.S. Air Force helicopter made a “precautionary” landing Tuesday after a windshield wiper motor failed, sending smoke into the cockpit.

The HH-60G Pave Hawk was on a routine training mission with six people on board when the pilot, following emergency procedures, set the helicopter down in a field near the town of Santon Downham without injuries, according to a statement from RAF Lakenheath’s 48th Fighter Wing. Santon Downham is about five miles northeast of the base.

A maintenance crew repaired the aircraft on site within six hours, but it spent the night outside under guard by Air Force security forces, said Tech. Sgt. Carissa Lee, a spokeswoman for the wing. The helicopter, which belongs to the 56th Rescue Squadron, was to return to base under its own power Wednesday afternoon, she said.

The cause of the wiper motor’s failure is under investigation, Lee said.